Animal rights protesters angry at police policy
A ROW has broken out between animal rights campaigners and police over a request to close a road during their annual demonstration at an animal testing lab.
Members of the Stop Wickham Animal Testing group have referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
In previous years protesters have been able to march through Wickham village to the Wickham Animal Laboratories, with part of the A334 closed off for several minutes to let them through.
The march attracts more than 100 people and features a heavy police presence.
Last year for the first time, Winchester City Council, at Hampshire Constabulary's request, issued them with an order to pay 400 for the closure. Campaigners are angry as they claim a road closure during the Boxing Day Hursley and Hambledon Hunt was done for free.
Activist Jeanette McClunan, of Corhampton, said: 'Why should we have to pay 400 for a policeman for 15 minutes when there are going to be so many police officers there anyway?
'We feel like we've been dealt with in an arrogant and antagonistic way.'
A letter sent to the campaigners by Inspector James Pegler, and seen by The News, explains the IPCC will not be pursuing the complaint as it is not against an individual officer's conduct.
This year's march is due to take place on September 20. Protesters have not asked for permission to use the road.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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